A Masquerade Revived by Aretha Franklin (“Respect”)

A Masquerade Revived by Aretha Franklin (“Respect”)

Music is a general topic in which transitioned through time according to struggles and hardship faced by mankind during their lifetimes. According to music experts and professionals, music is considered to be an art form whose medium is sound. Black Music (African Music) had 4 main categories—Gospel, Rock/Roll, Rhythm & Blues, and Jazz. These categories described the multiple affections and hardships African Americans went through within the 1900’s (mainly 1960-1987). We as people defined music, to be what we see fit the descriptions and as new generations unfold so did the image of music with the inclusion of its sound, beats, and lyrics. For instance, R&B with the addition of Rock/Roll transitioned and became a new genre-Black Rock. With the sweet and tuned melodies of these varieties of music genres, artists also masquerade messages to promote awareness within the general population about issues and perspectives regarding emotions and opinions of not only the artists but also their listeners.
In time, mankind gave birth to one of music’s greatest prodigies-Aretha Franklin, an African American woman who was well produced and promoted by John Hammond who signed her to Columbia records. History recalls Franklin to be an American singer, songwriter, and pianist; sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Soul” for her soul recordings which emphasized her renowned reputation. However Franklin, also adept at rock, blues, pop, jazz, R&B, and gospel music. According to Rolling Stones Magazine, Franklin progressed to be No. 1 on the list of The Greatest Singers of All Time. She was honored at the Grammy Awards, with a total of 18 Grammys to date which included the Living Legend Grammy and the Lifetime Achievement Grammy. She also scored a total of 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart of which included “Respect” (1967).
A song written originally by Stax recording artist Ortis Redding in 1965, “Respect” soon became a signature song in 1967 as it was...